Just as youngsters from all across the nation and world are starting to convene, mother nature threw a curve ball at the Arkansas River Valley that is sure to be appreciated by everyone associated with the 2014 TBF High School world Finals.

Typical hot July weather was expected by all, but as the competition got underway on Wednesday the participants were greeted with fall-like weather that may or may not affect the fishing, but will definitely make it a lot more enjoyable.

Although I am sure it will feel good outside, the pressure inside of these youngsters will be enough to keep them on edge. With the incredible growth of collegiate bass fishing, an event such as the High School Fishing World Finals continues to be a major proving ground for those universities recruiting some of the best student anglers in the nation. Colleges all across the nation will be showing great interest in this event and these young anglers as they look to the future and continuing their fishing exploits in college.

“Our expanded format last year built a lot of excitement for this event,” TBF National Youth Director Mark Gintert said. “Adding the semifinal and consolation rounds as well as another full day of fishing was well received by our anglers and their families. Combine that with the expansion of Saturday’s final to 20 teams and we had a lot of final day excitement.

To spruce things up this year we’ll be expanding tournament waters to allow locking into the rest of the Arkansas River system so our teams will have more water to fish and some additional strategies to contend with.”

“The High School Fishing World Finals has done more to grow high school fishing nationwide than any other event,” TBF President Robert Cartlidge said. “Several states that now have high school fishing teams and programs can trace their roots back to teams participating in this event.

Our staff works very hard to make this a showcase event for high school fishing and at the same time keep it exciting for our anglers and their families. The staff and facilities at Lake Dardanelle State Park are absolutely top-notch and its central US location right on I-40 makes it a great family vacation.”

Locally the impact has been incredible. I am sure you have noticed all the boats and fishermen all over Russellville and the surrounding area since last Saturday. The economic impact of this event is simply incredible and according to Christie Graham, much appreciated.

“We are thrilled to host this event again in the city of Russellville,” Executive Director of Tourism for Russellville Christie Graham said. “This event continues to grow every year and has become a terrific family destination for high school anglers across the country. Our community loves bringing this group in as it allows us to showcase our entire area as a family vacation destination.”

There are students entered from Russellville, Pottsville, Dover, Two Rivers and other surrounding schools as this tournament will serve as a showcase for these young men and women who will not only be competing for scholarships, but will be auditioning for other prospective colleges as well.

Lake Dardanelle continues to receive priceless exposure and recognition thanks in large part to groups like the TBF and other organizations who realize Lake Dardanelle and the surrounding area are simply an ideal combination for hosting outstanding fishing events.

By the time you kick your feet up and read your Sunday edition of The Courier, we should know the winner of this year’s event, but as far as I am concerned, with this event everyone is a winner, especially Russellville, Lake Dardanelle, The TBF and all those who came to fish our great lake.